Hydro One and nine First Nation partners break ground on Waasigan Transmission Line project
Hydro One Inc. (Hydro One) and nine First Nation partners, joined by municipal leaders, officially broke ground on the Waasigan Transmission Line project. This important milestone is the result of several years of collaboration and engagement with Indigenous communities, government agencies, local organizations, interest groups and community residents.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this incredible milestone with our partners in northwest Ontario. Electricity is the backbone of the economy and once built, the Waasigan Transmission Line will energize life for customers, communities, businesses and industry in the region for years to come,” said David Lebeter, President and CEO, Hydro One. “Waasigan changed the way we build new large-scale transmission line projects with the launch of our industry-leading 50-50 equity partnership model. It's an example of the progress we can achieve when >we listen, build meaningful partnerships, work together and do things differently. We look forward to our continued collaboration as we get this critical line built.”
Through Hydro One's 50-50 equity partnership model, First Nation partners have agreements in place to invest a 50 per cent equity stake in the transmission line component of the Waasigan Transmission Line project. The nine First Nation partners include Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation and eight First Nation communities represented by Gwayakocchigewin Limited Partnership (GLP).
“This day marks a major achievement for Gwayakocchigewin Limited Partnership. We have worked tirelessly over the past several years with our community Elders, leadership and members to ensure that this project respected our Anishinaabe teachings, protected our cultura values and would be undertaken in a way to protect and preserve our land for all future generations to come,” said Daniel Morriseau, President, GLP. “Today we stand together proudly as partnering First Nations to reflect on all we have been able to achieve and give thanks to all of our community members who have contributed to the success of this project along the way, including those that are no longer with us. We will continue to work with our partners to develop the project in a good way and look forward to seeing our communities and people benefit as the project advances.” The GLP First Nation communities include Eagle Lake First Nation, Fort William First Nation, Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation, Lac Seul First Nation, Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, Ojibway Nation of Saugeen, Seine River First Nation and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation.
Phase one is a new double-circuit 230 kilovolt transmission line from Lakehead Transformer Station (TS) in Shuniah to Mackenzie TS in Atikokan, with a targeted in-service date as close to the end of 2025 as possible. Phase two consists of a new single-circuit 230 kilovolt transmission line from Mackenzie TS to Dryden TS in Dryden with targeted in-service in 2027. The construction work will be performed by Engineering, Procurement and Construction partner Valard Construction LP (Valard). Valard works with Indigenous communities in procurement and employment and demonstrates excellence in execution, while maintaining the highest health, safety and environmental standards. To learn more about the Waasigan Transmission Line, visit hydroone.com/Waasigan.
“The Waasigan Transmission Line project will bring more power to the
region, when and where it's needed,” said Kevin Holland, Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay-Atikokan. “We look forward to seeing local economies and communities grow and thrive with the
increase of clean and reliable electricity.” “The Waasigan Transmission Line is going to bring more clean, reliable
energy to Shuniah and all of northwest Ontario,” said Wendy Landry, Mayor of Shuniah. “The increase in power will allow local businesses to grow and bring more economic opportunities to our community.” “After years of working together with Hydro One to develop plans for the Waasigan Transmission Line, it's exciting to see the project enter construction,” said Rob Ferguson, Mayor of Atikokan. “Once built, it's going to help our residents and businesses grow and thrive.” “Northwest Ontario is growing quickly, as are our energy needs,” said Jack Harrison, Mayor of Dryden. “The Waasigan Transmission Line will be a key asset in meeting those needs now and in the future, and I'm excited that construction has begun on this critical infrastructure.” “Valard is proud to mark the groundbreaking of the Waasigan Transmission Line, a project that not only showcases our construction expertise in northwest Ontario but also underscores the strength of the relationships we have built across the region,” said Carey Kostyk, President, Valard Construction LP. “Our commitment to this project remains steadfast in creating employment opportunities, driving economic growth, and contributing to the generational betterment of >Indigenous communities. This project will be built as a testament to our shared vision for a sustainable and prosperous future for all.” >
David Lebeter, President and CEO, Hydro One
“ This is 365 Km long 350 watt capacity line we are building from Shuniah to Atikokan and on to Dryden. Construction will start this fall and will be complete in 2027. The cost of the project will be $1.2 billion approved by the Ontario Energy Board earlier. The average construction workers on the project will be up to 400 depending on what phase they are on.”
“ This will strengthen the background of the bulk electricity system that runs from this point west in the province. If you want to build new manufacturing, open up new mines or forestry operations or even new communities you have to have enough capacity on the transmission system. Right now it is getting full and this creates that buffer or head wind to bring new economic activity.”
Carey Kostyk, President, Valard Construction LP.
“ This is a very exciting day with all the hard work the teams have put in: the communities, First Nations, Hydro One and Valard teams.”
“ At the start of any project you have to order material and then it comes in delivery so we started a material yard in Rosslyn in the late summer. We are waiting for a few permits but once those come in we get into the next part of construction which will be getting temporary housing constructed out and then you will see right away and access type work. The temporary housing will be a 25 minute drive east of Atikokan. We will have a constant 200 to 300 people working on the project once we get into heavy construction. At the end the numbers will be less.”
“ You begin with clearing the right always by removing trees, then you build foundations for towers just like you are building a house. Next you build the towers and string wire, and then do some final clean up. There will be work to make sure the environment will be turned back to the best situation it can be. Phase one and two is adjacent to the existing Hydro One transmission line. Right now the plan is to not to use helicopters for anything except the pulling of the wires.”
“ We have been successful in several large projects here in Northwestern Ontario and this has been very good for Valard. Our head offices are in Edmonton and Calgary and we have a significant office in the Toronto area as well. Valard have around 1200 employees currently and it will grow even larger doing these projects.”
